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ARC VS-115 vs ARC Ref-110

In light of ARC rolling out the new Ref-150 and discontinuing the old Ref-110, I am thinking about stepping up from the ARC VS-115 to the ARC Ref-110. Some prior Forum comments have said that the VS-115 is roughly 85+% of the sonic quality of the Ref-110. The cost of making the change is approximately $2+K.

Has anyone who has critically A/B'd the two amps in a position to opine whether it's worth the bucks? Check my system thread for a description of my other components. The alternative is to wait for the Ref-150 to hit the secondary market and make a jump from the VS-115 to the Ref-150.

Thanks for the advice.
bifwynne

Showing 3 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Lostbears, have you actually had the opportunity to critically compare the VS-115 and Ref 110. If so, in what ways does the 110 do a better job than the 115. BTW, I changed out the 6550C tubes for the KT-120s. BIG difference for the better.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Lostbears, sorry for the late thank you. Since we traded posts, I spoke with a local ARC dealer. He advised me to wait for the Ref 150 to hit the used market. As an aside, I've kept an eye on the A'gon ARC "for sale listings" and casually observe that the prices for used Ref 110s are hovering in the low $6ks, which is a bit lower than usual.

I wish the amps weren't so da*n heavy because I would like to audition the Ref 110 and one day the Ref 150 at home. Even hauling my amp to the dealer is a major PITA.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Gary, you were right. I finally made the jump to the Ref 150. Extremely pleased. Having said that, I think the VS-115 is a great amp. Other than a blown bias resister or two, never gave me a problem. And it really sounded good. But the Ref 150 is better.
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